Maria J. Rodriguez
RTAC President 2026-2027
The mustard seed journey began when I started
teaching with the Chicago Public Schools. A novice with so
much energy and enthusiasm to change the lives of my
charges, many of whom were new arrivals to the United
States. And here I am, a retiree with more than 34 years of
service, with the same energy and enthusiasm, guiding many
of my fellow retiree colleagues into the world of protecting
their Pension Benefits and Health Insurance. Our CPS journey
was not one in which we sprinted with successes every day of
our careers. We dedicated our lives to our charges during
trying times. Many sacrifices were made to help our students
and their families achieve favorable outcomes and reach the
dreams they had when they entered our classrooms: the gift
of knowledge and the power to be independent members of
society one day, so they could contribute to their family
and community. Many of our retirees worked in
hundred-year-old run-down school buildings that were their
second homes, away from home. The lack of resources and
overcrowded classrooms did not deter us from focusing on our
commitment to our charges. Dilapidated buildings with lead
within the structure of the building, drinking fountains
with lead in the plumbing, and non-airconditioned classrooms
on the third floor with thirty-plus students fidgeting, due
to a poor learning environment. Many educators survived the
challenges for thirty-four years and often longer. Their
perseverance was a labor of love for the students whose
lives they would impact forever. Our Chicago Public School
retirees provided a haven for those who may have lacked
parental guidance at home and often needed emotional support
to help them get through the school day. Teaching has never
been regarded as a job that will provide you with a wealthy
lifestyle. The reward has been and continues to be educating
our charges so they can become responsible members of
society and help create a better society for everyone.Your PENSION! "A defined benefit retirement plan, which offers a secure retirement income for life". All Chicago Public School Teachers/Administrators hired before January 1, 2011, are Tier 1. Tier I employees are vested after five years of service. CPS employees hired on or after January 1, 2011, are Tier II. They are vested after ten years of service. The monthly pension contributions deducted by your employer, the Chicago Public Schools, during your employment are what you contributed toward your pension benefit. The monthly benefit you receive for life is a result of your contributions made over 34 years, and in some cases longer, and in some cases shorter than 34 years of service. These are deferred wages.
However, with the plight of many of our Tier II contributors leaving the system, our contributions are gradually diminishing. A portion of our contributions is invested to sustain our plan.
The Chicago Teachers' Pension Board consists of twelve Board members: six active teachers, three retirees, two appointed Board of Education members, and one CPS Principal/Administrator. They are the governing Board of the Pension Fund. CTPF is self-governed; we are independent, unlike the Board of Trustees for our state-funded pension plans. According to CTPF's Annual Financial Report dated June 2025, (ACFR, formally called CAFR), our assets were $13.7 billion with 34,647 active members and 23,350 retirees. However, as we all know, assets increase your wealth, whereas liabilities decrease your wealth: "The funded ratio for pension benefits based on the actuarial value of assets decreased to 47.9% as of June 30, 2025, from 48.1% at the end of the previous year. (This information can be read on the CTPF website; ctpflorg). Currently, all CTPF pensioners receive a 60% subsidy toward our health insurance. Although twelve CTPF Board members govern the Pension Board, retirees can be a powerful force in protecting our monthly pension benefits and health insurance. That number can change, and it has fluctuated in the past. RTAC is run independently of our stakeholders, CTPF, CPS, and CTU. We work together with our stakeholders, but our primary mission is to protect our pensions and health insurance. As a retiree, I know the value of being active in matters affecting my pension benefits. There is power in numbers. Our CTPF membership of 34,647 active members compared to 23,350 CTPF retirees is astonishing.
Unlike in the past, as active teachers leave our system, they withdraw their contributions from the fund. Your involvement in protecting your pension is crucial! On October 15, 2025, I testified in Springfield on behalf of SB1893 at the Illinois Senate Pensions Committee. The bill would increase our health insurance subsidy from $65,000,000 to $100,000,000. As health insurance costs rise and the number of retirees continues to grow, we need to fight for an increased subsidy. Being vigilant and staying in contact with other retirees is your strongest weapon in protecting your pension benefits. Join retiree organizations and attend Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund meetings in person or online via Zoom. Twenty-three thousand, three hundred-fifty annuitants are much stronger than the voices of twelve CTPF Board members or sixteen RTAC directors, and five officers. "Hell hath no fury like an angry pensioner whose pension benefits have been attacked." Your role as an annuitant and or a member of RTAC allows you to address your concerns, comments, and complaints to all Board members, including me. I serve as the President of the RTAC Board and as a retiree Trustee of the Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund. My official start date with RTAC was January 5, 2026.
Many of our members have raised concerns regarding online payments and other technological deficiencies. To better serve all our members, we will implement a new hybrid system. Online payments and email communications will be available to those who wish to use those services. Those who prefer to continue using USPS to communicate with us and make payments for membership or luncheon reservations may do so as they have in the past.
Upgrades of our technology and increasing transparency for our RTAC members are my two major goals as President of RTAC. Our office has 100 years of historical documents, which I look forward to digitizing and posting on our website, along with the RTAC Board minutes.
On another note, RTAC'S Centennial Celebration will take place at the Chicago Hilton on May 12, 2026. Details are listed in this News Bulletin with an application to select your meal preference. We look forward to a gala affair with entertainment, camaraderie, and goodwill.
Election of eight RTAC Directors for the 2027-2028 calendar year will take place this Fall. Details will be forthcoming in this News Bulletin as well.
I look forward to representing all RTAC members with the dignity and respect you deserve.
Maria J. Rodriguez
RTAC President (2026-2027)
Mobile: 773 960 7173
e-mail: rtac.president.mariajrodriguez@gmail.com